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| Feeltone Monochord Table |
There is a
tendency toward harmony in nature. This is reflected in resonance and
entrainment, the principles of sound and rhythm. Every atom, molecule, tissue,
organ, being, object, etc. has a natural vibrational motion at its own natural
frequency and is associated with a standing wave pattern that has overtones or
harmonics. When one object vibrating at the natural frequency of a second
object causes that second object to vibrate, this is known as resonance.
Entrainment is a type of resonance and is universal. It is the tendency
for two or more rhythmic cycles to synchronize. In other words, two or more
objects with an oscillation or frequency become locked in phase so that they
vibrate in harmony. Entrainment is seen in many systems including
chemistry, pharmacology, biology, medicine, psychology, sociology, astronomy,
architecture and more. Entrainment was first described by Christian Huygens, a
Dutch scientist, in 1665. Huygens was working on the design of a pendulum clock
and noticed that when two pendulums were placed near to each other, swinging at
different rates, eventually they would end up swinging at the exact same rate
in unison. These are just a few of the principles or ideas behind sound
therapy. Music has the potential to entrain rhythmically, melodically and
psychologically.
Nikola Tesla famously said, “If you
want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency
and vibration.” Einstein further elaborated on vibration, stating, “What we
have called matter is energy, whose vibration has been lowered as to be
perceptible to the senses.” In other words, everything is made of energy and
vibration, and has frequency. Sound therapy dates back to the beginnings of
human civilization and was a primary tool of shamanism. Sound therapy is the
process of using music, sound and vibration to assist healing and to support
wellness. Because sound is vibration, it is “heard” not only with the ears, but
throughout the body, in every cell. It permeates our entire being, connecting
us to the rhythms and harmonics of the universe.
Water is a far better sound conductor than air, and the
large water content of the body makes it an excellent conductor of sound and
vibration. Many studies have
demonstrated the health benefits of music, sound and vibration. Music has been
shown to lower blood pressure; lower heart and respiratory rates; reduce
cardiac complications; increase the immune response; decrease stress hormones;
and boost the body’s production of natural opiates. Perhaps one of the more
profound effects of sound and music is the ability to synchronize or entrain
brainwaves to achieve a deep state of relaxation, similar to that of an experienced
meditator. Brainwaves in the delta or theta range have been shown to be
associated with accelerated healing.
To summarize these are some of the theories and
demonstrable reasons for why sound therapy works: tissue resonance affects the
cells; music acts as a distraction; it lowers stress by causing relaxation and
decreasing stress hormones; sound works by breaking the cycle of pain and
anxiety; the effects are related to the release of oxytocin, nitric oxide and
endogenous opiates, which all lead to a more relaxed state; music has the
effect of entraining brainwaves to achieve a more relaxed state; a relaxed
state leads to accelerated healing. When
integrated as part of a total approach to wellness, music can improve health
and quality of life. After all, the ultimate goal of healing is to create
harmony out of disharmony.
I am currently working
with sound therapy in the form of the Feeltone Monochord Table and Feeltone
Monolinas (which are smaller, more portable versions of the table), all used
for meditation and wellness. The Monochord Table is a bed-sized stringed
instrument that is used to create a holistic sound massage experience. The
person receiving the treatment lies on the resonating chamber
of the
instrument, and the strings of the instrument are played to weave an
endless-loop sound ocean that vibrates and reverberates through the entire
body. The strings have a deep, calming sound with harmonic overtones. Other
instruments and sounds such as tuning forks, crystal ringing bowls, bells,
Tibetan tingshas (temple cymbals), gongs, etc. can be incorporated to further
enhance the experience. Sound-based and light-based treatments that work on the
human biofield by affecting acupuncture points and channels, as well as the
major chakras can also be added.
For information, contact Lisa Hogan, MD
at Youthologie Aesthetic &
Anti-Aging Medicine
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